Best Vise Grips (Locking Pliers) in 2027

The WORKPRO W031573 leads our ranking. It is a 7 in curved jaw locking plier, the most useful single size for car work and home repairs, since the curved jaw grips round pipes, rounded bolts and stripped nuts from several sides at once.

It is made from heat-treated chrome vanadium steel for strength, and a built-in wire cutter adds a second job. The adjustable screw sets the jaw width and clamping pressure for different materials, from thin sheet metal to thicker stock.

A trigger release opens the pliers with one hand, which is more convenient and safer than prying the handles apart. A diamond-pattern anti-slip handle keeps a firm grip, and at 0.7 lb it is easy to carry. It is a single tool rather than a set. For anyone who wants one dependable pair of locking pliers in the toolbox, it is the best choice here.

Second in our ranking, the IRWIN 1602L3 is from the brand that made Vise-Grip a household name. Its long, straight nose gives easy access in narrow, hard-to-reach places, which suits electrical work, hobbies and small parts in engine bays.

It is made from high-grade heat-treated alloy steel with hardened teeth for grip, and IRWIN lists a jaw capacity of 1 5/8 in, the widest capacity listed on this page. It includes a wire cutter and meets or exceeds ANSI specifications.

The listing title describes it as a 4-in tool, though the model is a long-nose locking plier. It has the classic IRWIN release lever rather than a trigger. For precision clamping and reaching into tight spots, it is a proven, original design. Because it locks in place, it can hold a small part steady while you solder, glue or drill, freeing both hands. It is a good addition to a toolbox that already has a curved jaw pair, and a long-standing brand makes it easy to find replacements.

The DEKOPRO set ranks third. It includes a 7 in and a 10 in curved jaw locking plier, with max jaw capacities of 1-3/4 and 2-1/2 in, plus a 6-1/2 in long nose locking plier and a locking C-clamp, which covers clamping, gripping and holding jobs.

The jaws are drop-forged chrome vanadium steel, heat-treated for hardness and corrosion resistance. Adjusting screws customise clamping pressure from thin sheet metal to thick pipes, and a trigger-style release opens each tool with one hand.

TPR soft-touch handles with an anti-slip grip reduce fatigue during long use. The set weighs 1.9 lb in total. The C-clamp is handy for welding and woodworking, holding parts in place while you work. For a first set of locking pliers that covers the main styles, it is excellent value. It is also a good gift for a new homeowner or someone starting out with car repairs.

Fourth in our ranking, the Crescent CLP5SETN-08 is a 5-piece set of curved and long nose locking pliers from an established tool brand. The curved jaws include an integral wire cutter, and an angled tooth pattern gives a better grip.

A knurled adjusting screw turns easily by hand or with a hex key that fits into a receiver on the bottom of the screw. Crescent notes that after the initial grip is set, you can tighten further with the hex key, which helps on stubborn fasteners.

The pliers have a nickel plated finish for corrosion resistance and meet ANSI specifications. The set weighs 4.06 lb. For mechanics who want a range of sizes from a known brand with a smart adjusting screw, it is a strong pick. The extra tightening from the hex key makes these pliers useful on seized fasteners, where a little more clamping force stops the jaws from slipping. Keep the set together in a drawer or pouch so each size is easy to find.

The SK set completes our top five. It includes 5, 7 and 10 in curved jaw locking pliers plus 6.5 and 9.5 in long nose locking pliers, a well-chosen spread of sizes for car, home and shop jobs.

They are made from CR-V steel with a nickel-plated finish for rust resistance, heat treated for strength and ductility. The adjustable screw has a geometric shape for easier adjustment, plus a screwdriver through-hole for extra tightening.

A knurled anti-slip handle and a classic trigger release give strong one-handed release. The set weighs 3.97 lb in total. Our data does not list a wire cutter or jaw capacity. For buyers who want five sizes with trigger releases at good value, it is a sensible choice. Having both curved and long nose styles in several sizes means you can pick the right tool for each job instead of forcing one pair to do everything. Keep the adjusting screws lightly oiled to stop them seizing over time.